English footballing legend Alan Shearer has expressed his views on the England squad setup during a show, suggesting that Palmer and Gordon should both start in the quarterfinal match against Switzerland, with Konza stepping in for the suspended central defender Gey.
Shearer commented, “I’d start both Palmer and Gordon. Menou can remain as he’s done enough. With Gey’s suspension, I’d go with Konza. He’s been more involved, so I’d pick him. As for left-back, that’s another issue – I’m unsure if Luke Shaw is fit to play, given he hasn’t featured for months, so he shouldn’t start.”
Shearer had, in fact, called for Southgate to introduce Palmer and Gordon during the half-time break of the round-of-16 match against Slovakia on social media.
In the first two group games, Southgate experimented with Arnold partnering Rice in midfield, but the partnership didn’t yield desired results. In the third group match against Slovenia, Southgate replaced Arnold with Gallagher, making this the only change to the starting eleven throughout the group stage. Even in the round-of-16 encounter against Slovakia, Southgate only adjusted the partner for Rice, opting for Menou over Gallagher, while keeping the attacking quartet of Kane, Foden, Bellingham, and Saka unchanged.
Should Shearer’s suggestions be followed, with Menou retaining his spot, the inclusion of both Palmer and Gordon would see them replace Saka and Foden, reshaping England’s wings.
Alan Shearer: Start Palmer and Gordon against Switzerland, with Konza replacing Gey. Author:Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced:https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/alan-shearer-start-palmer-and-gordon-against-switzerland-with-konza-replacing-gey.html